Rajasthan Through The Ages (Set of 2 Parts)

I welcome this addition to the available history books on Rajasthan. The Government of Rajasthan have been responsible for planning this book. In consultation with a number of scholars and historians they have brought out an authentic and well-documented history of Rajasthan. I am glad this work bids fair to be popular in style and presentation, and I hope, devoid of too many scholarly references and controversies as it is, it will serve the general reader.

This volume shows that though Rajasthan has become an integrated political entity only recently, it has long possessed a cultural unity of its own which has marked it out from the other parts of the country. It brings out briefly the various historical periods and the manifold aspects of civilization which flourished during those periods. Much interesting light is thrown on old centres of culture which flourished in ancient times, such as Ahar (near Udaipur) Gilund, Ajmer, Bhilwara, Jaipur etc. The history of the various republics of Rajasthan which offered successful resistance to foreign hordes like the Sakas and the Kushans has been narrated in readable style.

The history as given in these pages is not, happily, merely a conglomeration of events in chronological order. Considerable pains have been taken to include within its purview the common people of the region, their life and the changing panorama of their socio-economic conditions. It reveals how these people had their minds soaked in the classical tradition which developed in the Gupta period. There are useful references to sculpture, to intellectual and literary movements and to social and political upheaval.

The later portion of the Volume notices the crusade of the valiant clans of Rajasthan against the Arabs and the Turks. The struggle for power which ensued between the Muslims and many Rajput dynasties highlights this period.

It is, however, the chapters and parts thereof dealing with the people, their ways, customs and special characteristics, which make a fascinating reading. They furnish a glimpse of the conditions under which the common man flourished or decayed, with his hopes and aspirations, with his foibles and frailties, which affected his happiness and well-being and moulded the destiny of his society.

I congratulate the Government of Rajasthan and the various scholars and historians who have contributed to the planning and actual writing of this memorable Volume on the history of that State in the Union which is so intricately linked with the history of the entire North, if not the whole country.

The history of a people is not merely a chronological arrangement of events and incidents. An analysis of development of society and its culture is essential to the understanding of history.

We have heard and read the daring account of great warriors and patriots like Rana Sanga and Rana Pratap. The touch of divine magic in the works of Rajasthan sculptors and painters has held us spell-bound. Behind all this, one can perceive the character and culture which has a unity of its own. The delineation of this characteristic unity in the development, through various well-defined historical periods, of culture of a society is the most valuable and essential aid to the understanding of its history. The present volume has successfully attempted this task.

Eminent scholars who worked on the Advisory Board and the Board of Editors have made commendable contributions to the preparation of this memorable document of authentic history of Rajasthan.

The second edition of book "Rajasthan through the ages "Vol -II" is a historical sketch of social, economic & cultural history of Rajasthan from 1316-1761 A.D. We have done our best to include dynastic history of the rulers of Rajasthan in a brief way. In chapter- I, we have explained the physical feature of Rajasthan & their impact on political & cultural life. The brief outline of source material like inscription, Coins, Archaeological sites, Archival Records, Travellers Accounts, Manuscripts and Paintings, sculptures, are listed in chapter II. Episode of struggle of Maharana Pratap with Mugal, murder of Krishna Kumari, Kumbha expedition & achievement, struggle of Rao Maldev with Shershah Sun in the war of Giri Sumel and many such episodes are present in detail in chapter III.

Prominent attention has been given to Rajasthan resistance to Mughal imperialism and Marathas politics in some detail in chapter IV, V, VI. A fairly reliable picture of administration system in Rajasthan & role of Pattas, Perwans, Tojee's throw a sufficient light on the system of revenue, collection, taxes has been drawn in chapter VII. This book furnish the aspects like the social structure of society, positives of women, manner and mode of living of the people of all levels, games, sports, entertainments, customs, fead festival, detail information has been made available in chapter VIII and IX : Economic condition of the people has been given in chapter X.

The detailed description of Rajasthan culture & sculpture, music, dances, literature are presented in interesting manner to motivate the readers and scholars. An attempt has also been made in the chapters devoted to teachings of Mira, Dadu, Ramcharan, Raidas proved to be inspiring and which influence the religious life of the period.

I hope that this book provide a valuable information to the research scholars of our country & across the whole world. References are given after each chapter to develop interest in the subject & motivate research scholars to do better work. I confidently believe that this will be proved as a base book for the new learner of history.

I am much indebted to the ingenuity & patience of Mr. Mukesh Venna who help in the proofreading of book & for the completion of index. I shall be failing in my duties if I do not thank Abdul Sattar & the staff of the cooperative press, Jaipur for printing this volume. I am also thankful to the staff of computer section especially to Rameshwar Lal Prajapat for his cooperation in Designing cover of this book.

In more than one respect Rajasthan may be considered the historian's paradise. It is well known that the story of the exploits of the princely States which now constitute Rajasthan has had a fascination not only for historians but also for poets and novelists. It’s thrilling episodes have stirred the hearts of people and moved the minds of scholars. The early struggles of the feudal clans against the tribes which were already settled in the region, their gradual development into political communities a later forming themselves into States, - some be and others small, - is a unique and interesting feature of Indian history. It has inspired many scholars like James Tod and Pt. Gaurishankar Ojha. They survived and settled during the 150 years of British rule, in Semi-Independent Status, separate from one another and yet possessing a common feature in their relations with the political department of the Government of India. It is an excellent example of unity in diversity. Even to this day while the homogeneity of Rajasthan as unit of the Indian Union is clearly recognisable in social and cultural tradition, the variety and individuality of local strains can be distinguished in many ways, such as, dress and dialect, the variety and breeds of their fauna and flora, even their food habits and minor customs. For yet another reason, Rajasthan should interest writers and scholars not only within Rajasthan but also in other parts of North India. There is a large store of rich historical material which lies untapped in Rajasthan. It is scattered all over the State and in the possession, of different types of people and institutions. This is a vast and fertile field, parts of it in a virgin state, for the historical researcher.

2. Soon after India became independent, all the States of Rajasthan became one administrative part of the Indian Federation. Political integration did not, however, immediately bring about psychological unity; the process is going on with increasing tempo. One thing which is likely to help indirectly, though perhaps effectively, in realising this objective is the wise decision of the Government of. Rajasthan to arrange for the publication of an authentic history of Rajasthan. In the first place, such a work is indeed needed for society. Histories of some of its constituent parts are in existence. Not all of them are based on absolutely reliable data dug up from original sources. Some of them were built up from Folk-lore and narratives which underwent considerable change in course of time when passed on from man to man. From every point of view, therefore, the need was felt for a well documented history produced by scholars but meant for popular use.

3. This was realised by the Government of Rajasthan. They set up an Advisory Board a little less than three years ago to interest scholars of history in pursuit of this purpose. This Advisory Board consisted of 14 members. Along with the Advisory Board (of which I was the Chairman), there was established a small Editorial Body with Shri Muniji Vijayji as Chairman. This Editorial Board consisted of 8 Members who were more or less scholars of repute. Shri N. R. Khadgawat, the Director of Archives, Rajasthan State, was its Member Secretary and Managing Editor. The Advisory Board and the Editorial Board held many meetings in drawing up the plan of operations and for allotting different periods and sections to various scholars.

4. I am happy to state, the work "Rajasthan Through the Ages" is now ready to be placed before the public. We have a debt of gratitude to the Government of Rajasthan for the vision and foresight which inspired them to conceive this project. They deserve our congratulations and, I am sure, will receive grateful appreciation of the public. Similarly it is my duty to record my admiration and a deep sense of thankfulness for all the scholars who have collaborated in producing these two volumes of the History of Rajasthan. Some of them have laboured hard and indeed in selfless spirit. Shri N. R. Khadgawat had to bear a heavy load of responsibility and worries in bringing this project to a successful end. Nobody is as well aware as I am, how great and exacting has been this task for him and the nature and extent of the distractions which taxed his patience and endurance. Shri Khadgawat has rendered heroic se vices to the Government in carrying out this onerous duty.

5. Since the work embodies the writing a thought of many scholars, it was essential that the various parts of the book should be put together in order to make it a logical and well connected narrative. This difficult and delicate responsibility was entrusted to Dr. Dashrath Sharma (him-self a patriotic Rajasthani) of the University of Delhi. No praise will be too high for the contribution which Dr, Dashrath Sharma has made in this undertaking. This is my opportunity for expressing the appreciation of the Editorial Board for the hard and indeed valuable service so cheerfully rendered by him.

6. Many other scholars had to work under severe handicaps and at considerable personal and domestic inconvenience. They deserve our sincere thanks.